@AJPinto also know as Anthony James Pinto, is Jamf Nation’s number one community contributor. With some all-star stats like providing 289 accepted solutions, 2,607 posts and 1,145 kudos, it's likely that you’ve seen his name splashed around the community.
Jamf Nation, the world’s largest Apple Admins community, relies on the smarts and dedication of members to help advance and maintain this space as a valuable asset of learning and connection. People like Anthony make communities like Jamf Nation function in their highest level.
Let's take a peak inside Anthony’s brain and learn more about the man behind the avatar, shall we?
Tell us about yourself, Anthony
I am from LA and have lived all over the US. I settled down in central Alabama for reasons beyond me, met my wife and just sorta stayed here. My wonder lust never went away, and I love to travel and experience new places and new things. My preferred travel locations are places far away from computers and people, getting lost in the woods, the desert, or my favorite choice, the mountains is recharging and grounding for me.
My professional career has been an interesting journey where I have worn a lot of shoes and done a lot of things. I graduated college just before the financial recession in 2006 and did any work I could find to stay afloat until I landed my first professional white color job in 2009. I have spent time on help desks, working as a field service technician, consultant, systems administrator as well as the Engineering role that I currently fill. If I had everything to do over again, I would not change a thing. I am very thankful for all the things I have as they gave me the experience to make me who I am today, as well as taught me empathy and sympathy that drives my desire to help other. At the end of the day, I cannot resist a good challenge.
How long have you been a Mac admin?
About seven years.
Tell us about your career journey. What was your first tech job?
My first tech job was technically at Best Buy Geek Squad, but my first corporate tech job was a service desk position for a regional bookseller around 2009. The bookseller had a very small IT department, so everyone wore multiple hats, and I learned a lot in my short time there.
What got you into Jamf to begin with?
My employer had a small install base of Macs, and the team responsible for them kept insisting that Macs were very difficult to manage. I took that as a challenge, set out to learn the platform, and earned the Jamf 100 despite not having touched a Mac in over a decade. That eventually caught the attention of the engineering team, and I was headhunted to replace their departing Mac admin. As I have in my role, I have been prompted several times starting as a consultant then an admin, then moving into an engineering role, and now serving in a hybrid architect role for matters related to MDM.
What about Apple? Are you a fan, and why?
I wouldn’t consider myself a fanboy by any means. macOS, like Windows, is a tool, and you need to use the right tool for the job. While Windows is the correct tool for many professional applications, there are plenty of scenarios where macOS is the far better option. As with anything, you need to use the right tool for the job.
Why do you keep returning to the Jamf community?
I like helping people, and I’m often challenged by the situations people run into, which gives me an opportunity to learn as I provide guidance.
What would you do on a long weekend if you had zero obligations and budget wasn’t a concern?
I’m a well-traveled individual, and if I could instantly appear anywhere for a weekend, I’d choose the Pacific Northwest, specifically Redwood National Park. I love traveling and have plans for a Europe trip, but the pull to return home to California is something I can never quite escape.
What’s the last TV series or movie you watched? Was it good?
I’m not much of a TV person, but I’ve recently started watching The Blacklist. So far, it’s really good, though I haven’t seen enough to give a full breakdown of why.
What do you want to say to the Jamf community?
The best part of this community is that we’re all constantly learning whether we’re asking questions or answering them. Keep sharing, keep experimenting, and don’t be afraid to challenge the “it’s always been done this way” mindset.
Thank you, @AJPinto for your contributions and keeping this community awesome!
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